AS LILLY TOILS IN HER FATHER’S APOTHECARY SHOP, preparing herbs and remedies by rote, she is haunted by memories of her mother’s disappearance. Villagers whisper the tale, but her father refuses to discuss it. All the while, she dreams of the world beyond—of travel and adventure and romance.

When a relative offers to host her in London, Lilly discovers the pleasures and pitfalls of fashionable society and suitors, as well as clues about her mother. But will Lilly find what she is searching for—the truth of the past and a love for the future?

Blending romance, family drama, and fascinating historical detail, The Apothecary’s Daughter is a novel to savor and share.

Little Miss Bookworm’s Review:

The Apothecary’s Daughter provides an interesting perspective of how apothecaries worked, the ailments and remedies used to treat them in 19th century England. Lilly Haswell is an apothecary’s daughter torn between two worlds . . . sleepy Bedsley Priors and glamorous London. Throughout the first half of the novel, Lilly is indecisive on what she wants in life and has a fickle attitude towards potential suitors. By the end of the story, Lilly learns to be content with her life and realizes that what she wanted was right there all along. Overall, Julie Klassen’s writing style is rich and full of period details that bring the story to life. Also, elements of Austen and Brontë are woven into the plot to add additional depth to it. I recommend The Apothecary’s Daughter for those who have enjoyed Klassen’s other novels and those set in the Regency Era.

I give The Apothecary’s Daughter by Julie Klassen . . . 4 Stars.

CAUGHT BETWEEN THE WILDERNESS AND CIVILIZATION, MORROW LITTLE MUST FIND HER WAY TO TRUE LOVE.

MORROW LITTLE is haunted by the memory of the day her family was torn apart by raiding Shawnee warriors. Now that she is nearly a grown woman and her father is ailing, she must make difficult choices about the future. Several men—ranging from the undesired to the unthinkable—vie for her attentions, but she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a forbidden love that both terrifies and intrigues her. Can she betray the memory of her lost loved ones—and garner suspicion from her friends—by pursuing a life with him? Or should she seal her own misery by marrying a man she doesn’t love?

This sweeping tale of romance and forgiveness will envelop you as it takes you from a Kentucky fort through the vast wilderness of the West.

Little Miss Bookworm Review:

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz is a captivating love story set in the wild, untamed and savage land of 1778 Kentucke. Living along the Red River and surrounded by nature’s beauty, Morrow Little suffers from anxiety along with fear of the local Indian tribes. In the first half of the book, Morrow is considerably weighed down by the grudge she holds against them from a prior incident against her family. Red Shirt is strong, courageous, humble, protector, warrior, and leader. He displays all the traits that make a perfect hero. Throughout the novel, Red Shirt is both gentle and patient towards Morrow as he shows her not every Indian is a savage. Slowly, Morrow learns to trust and even fall in love with him. Morrow’s character growth highlights her patience, faith and devotion in the second half of the novel. With each turn of the page, readers are transported into a scene with the rich historical details and vivid imagery. Readers are also able to identify with Frantz’s characters on a deep and personal level. Love conquers all is the prevalent theme in an adventurous, romantic and dangerous world of colonial Kentucke.

As enemies threaten to silence Costin—and those close to him—will following their hearts cost John and Elizabeth everything?

Little Miss Bookworm’s Review:

Jody Hedlund’s The Preacher’s Bride is a debut novel filled with rich historical detail and emotional depth. Based on the life of evangelist John Bunyan and his wife Elizabeth, Jody highlights the religious persecution and class division within a close knit Puritan community in 1659 England. It encompasses the last days of Oliver Cromwell’s rule following the English Civil War. The book opens with a heart-wrenching scene that immediately hooks the reader until the last page. Each of the main and secondary characters have complex personalities that make them unique. Elizabeth Whitbread views herself as plain and inconsequential. However, her strong faith guides her into helping those in need. John Costin is a newly widowed father who believes it is his destiny to preach Gospel to the poor. As an unlicensed preacher, he becomes a prime target of Royalist supporters. Their fragile relationship is hindered by the demands of others in the congregation, rumors, threats, and betrayal. The powerful themes that emerge within the historical romance include: Hopes. Dreams. Struggles. Fear. Worry. Doubt. Second-Guessing. Despite the danger, the unbending faith and enduring love makes The Preacher’s Bride an interesting read.

EVEN A PROPER VICAR’S DAUGHTER CAN MAKE A MISTAKE . . . and now Charlotte Lamb must pay a high price for her fall. To avoid the prying eyes of all who know her, she hides herself away in London’s forbidding “Milkweed Manor,” a place of mystery and lore, of old secrets and new birth.

But once there, she comes face-to-face with a suitor from her past—a man who now hides secrets of his own. Both are determined, with God’s help, to protect those they love. But neither can imagine the depth of sacrifice that will be required.

Sprinkled with fascinating details about the lives of women in Regency England, Lady of Milkweed Manor is a moving romantic drama about the redemption of past failings and the beauty of sacrificial love.

Little Miss Bookworm’s Review:

Julie Klassen’s debut novel Lady of Milkweed Manor, is a bittersweet historical romance set in Regency England. Charlotte Lamb undergoes a heart-wrenching journey as she tries to reinvent herself in an unforgiving society. Charlotte’s wounded soul and Daniel Taylor’s secret torment makes their unconventional relationship unique. A combination of historical detail, a realistic plot, and Klassen’s elegant prose gives the story a well-balanced depth. Intricate subplots filled with angst, keep a reader in suspense. Elements of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre are also infused into the story. None of the secondary characters overshadow Charlotte’s difficult journey with their own personal struggles. A plot twist at the end is both surprising and deeply moving. Sacrificial love is poignant throughout the novel and readers will love Klassen’s fresh approach to Regency romance.

LOVELY AND HIGH-SPIRITED, Lael Click is the daughter of a celebrated frontiersman. Haunted by her father’s ties to the Shawnee Indians and her family’s past, Lael comes of age in the fragile Kentucky settlement her father founded. As she faces the many trials of life on the frontier, Lael draws strength from the rugged land. But the arrival of a handsome doctor threatens her view of her world, her God, and herself. Can the power of grace and redemption break through in this tumultuous place?

This epic novel gives you a glimpse into the simple yet daring lives of the pioneers who first crossed the Appalachians, all through the courageous eyes of a determined young woman who would not be defeated.

Little Miss Bookworm’s Review:

The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz is an interesting debut novel, that highlights a young woman’s journey to womanhood during the late eighteenth century. Living in the untamed Kentucke frontier, Lael Click struggles with her mother’s indiscretion and her father’s hidden past with the Shawnee Indians. Ma Horn, Captain Jack, Ian Justus, and the inhabitants of a small Kentucke settlement, are an unique blend of secondary characters. Living in the middle of Indian Territory strife with danger, feuds reigniting, and broken hearts, Lael is determined to prove women can survive in the uncivilized region.

The extensive research and historical detail highlights the harsh realities of living in 1777 Kentucke during the American Revolution. Conflict between white men and Indian tribes like the Shawnee is woven into the plot. Frantz does a remarkable job in portraying both sides of the issue.

The Frontiersman’s Daughter is a hard book to review. It immediately captured my attention and I thought the prologue foreshadowed what was to come. However, the intricate plot twists kept me hooked from beginning to end. I also loved how each character was given a complex personality that enabled them to stand out. Adventure, Romance, Faith, and Redemption are four key themes that emerge within the story.

There were several flaws that caused significant problems. First, the story focuses on an eight-year period of Lael’s life. On more than one occasion, I was unsure of her age. Second, the heroine lets other characters influence her decisions. Third, not all of the plot lines were completed, leaving the reader with unanswered questions. Finally, I was unsure if the chemistry was there between Lael and the man she ultimately ends up with.

Overall, I would recommend The Frontiersman’s Daughter to anyone who enjoys historical romances set during the American Revolution.

I give The Frontiersman’s Daughter by Laura Frantz . . . 4 Stars.

Hello Bookworms! It’s that time to post a new batch of books of the To Be Read Pile. The photo above shows my TBR for the month of June. It’s a little light, but hopefully I’ll have a productive month and read past my projected goal. If you’re interested to see more about these books, click the titles below and you’ll be redirected to Goodreads.

About Me

As an avid reader since childhood, I've shared my love of books with friends and family. Out of all the genres, I've found that I LOVE Historical Romance the most. However, I'm open to reading almost every genre.

I love the novels that are hard to put down. Also the longer the book, the better.

I can be found frequently drinking a Vanilla Bean Frapp while on a scavenger hunt for the next ah-mazing book to read.